The Life of Oswald Chambers

Oswald Chambers was born in Scotland and spent much of his boyhood there. His ministry of teaching and preaching took him for a time to the United States and Japan.

The last six years of his life were spent as principal of the Bible Training College in London, and as a chaplain to British Commonwealth troops in Egypt during World War l.

After his death, the books which bear his name were compiled by his wife from her own verbatim shorthand notes of his talks.

An image of Oswald Chambers

1874

July 24
Born in Aberdeen, Scotland.

A picture of Oswald Chambers as a baby.

1888

Accepts Christ at age 15.

Chambers commits himself to evangelistic efforts with his church outside London.

1897

Enrolls at Dunoon College
after hearing God’s call to ministry.

Group photo

1901

Begins teaching and preaching
throughout England, Ireland, Scotland, the United States, and Japan.

1910

May 25
Marries Gertrude (Biddy) Hobbs

A photo of Oswald Chamber's standing next to his wife Gertrude (Biddy) Hobbs.

1911

Starts the Bible Training College
in London.

A worn old Bible with lots of writing in the margins.

1912

First book,
Biblical Psychology, is published in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Old typewriter

1913

May 24
Daughter, Kathleen, is born

Oswald and Biddy Chambers sit next to their baby daughter Kathleen.

1915

November 15

Senses God’s call and moves
his family to Egypt, to serve as a YMCA chaplain to troops during World War I.

1917

Dies of complications from an appendectomy

Photo of Oswald Chambers

1927

British publication of
My Utmost for His Highest,
compiled by Biddy from transcripts of her late husband’s teaching. Published in the US in 1934.

My Utmost for His Highest Updated Edition book cover
My Utmost for His Highest Modern Classic Edition book cover
My Utmost for His Highest Classic Edition book cover.

My Utmost for His Highest

My Utmost for His Highest continues to challenge and encourage people all over the world, through more than 13 million copies printed, a mobile app, website, email, and social media sharing.

A century after his death, Oswald Chambers still guides people on their journey to knowing God better.